Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of complete metamorphosis in insects?

Complete metamorphosis is a developmental process found in many insects, characterized by distinct and separate life stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. In this process, it is crucial to understand the characteristics that define complete metamorphosis.

The correct answer, indicating that the larva looks like a miniature adult, highlights a key distinction between complete and incomplete metamorphosis. In insects that undergo complete metamorphosis, the larval stage is often quite different in appearance, behavior, and ecology compared to the adult stage. This stark contrast is essential for the survival of the species, as larvae usually have different feeding habits and habitats compared to the adults.

Involvement of a pupa stage is a hallmark of complete metamorphosis, serving as a transformative phase where the insect develops from larva to adult. The pupa stage allows for significant change, including the reorganization of tissues and structures necessary for the adult form.

The adult being very different from the larva is another characteristic signifying significant developmental changes, emphasizing the divergence in form and function between these stages.

The inclusion of multiple instars before reaching adulthood is typical in the larval stage where the insect grows and sheds exoskeletons, but this does not imply